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5 Scar Management Tips after Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular of all cosmetic procedures because of the beautiful results it can yield and the boost in confidence it can give. As with all plastic surgery, breast augmentation does require incisions and will result in scars. However, there are ways to bolster the healing process to improve and minimize the appearance of your scars after breast augmentation.

1. Massage

Massage can be a wonderful way to help breast implants settle into the breast pocket, break up developing scar tissue and prevent capsular contracture. However, many women are surprised to learn that massage can play an important role in incision healing as well. Massaging your incisions using a moisturizer or cream that contains Aloe and Vitamin E can be very beneficial in expediting healing, preventing the formation of excess scar tissue and ultimately producing a smoother, flatter scar that is less noticeable.

You should follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and timeline for any of these tips, but most surgeons will agree that scar massage can begin around 14 days after breast augmentation. Scar massage should be performed twice a day for 2 to 3 months following surgery for the best results.

2. Silicone Sheets or Scar Gels

As the name implies, silicone sheets are flat sheets of silicone that are applied over scars to promote healing. This scar treatment method has shown to lessen redness, discomfort, lumpiness and itchiness after breast augmentation. For many women, the use of these sheets will result in a flatter, less noticeable scar and can even be used to improve the appearance of older scars. Silicone sheets come in a variety of pre-cut shapes to fit your incision type.

Scar gels are another popular option for improving the look of scars. The silicone-based gel is painted on the scar once or twice a day with a small brush similar to a nail polish brush. For many women, these gels help to flatten, shrink and lighten scars to make them less noticeable.

3. Avoid Sun Exposure

Direct sun exposure can cause inflammation and redness on any scars, and the scars from breast augmentation are no exception. Be very careful to completely protect your scars from direct sunlight, including from tanning beds, for at least one year after surgery to promote the best healing.

Remember that a bikini top can easily shift or move around to leave scars exposed, and even if your bathing suit is covering your scar it don’t necessarily keep out all UV rays. If you plan to hit the beach or the pool within a year after surgery, consider placing medical tape or bandages over your incisions to ensure they’re protected from any unintentional sun exposure.

4. Laser Therapy

Following the first three tips will likely leave you with barely noticeable scars about a year after your breast augmentation. However, if you still are unsatisfied with the raised, red or swollen nature of your scars, laser scar removal may be an option. Laser therapy involves the movement of a laser gently over the scar to vaporize the top layer of skin. As a result, a smoother, more natural-looking layer of skin underneath is revealed and the appearance of the scar can be diminished.

5. Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Surprisingly enough, one of that factors that will most directly affect the quality of your breast augmentation scars takes place long before your surgery day. Choosing the right plastic surgeon who has the right combination of skill and experience will directly impact not only the quality of your results, but how well your scars fade and blend into surrounding skin.